Studying in Germany is a dream for thousands of international students every year, and Technische Universität Ilmenau (TU Ilmenau) is one of the most popular choices, especially for engineering, computer science, and technical fields. Before you pack your bags, one of the most crucial steps is understanding the cost of living and arranging your blocked account for visa purposes.
Many students worry about the financial requirements because TU Ilmenau does not provide a detailed expense breakdown in the admission letter. Instead, the International Office of TU Ilmenau issues a separate cost sheet. In this article, we’ll walk you through a practical breakdown of expenses, explain how much money you need to show in your blocked account, and share tips on how to manage your budget as a student in Ilmenau.
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🎓 Why Expense Breakdown Matters for TU Ilmenau Students
When applying for a German student visa, you must prove that you have enough funds to support yourself during your studies. This is usually done through a blocked account, which requires you to deposit a fixed amount of money before entering Germany.
For students heading to TU Ilmenau:
The German government requires at least €934 per month or €11,208 per year.
TU Ilmenau’s official expense list closely aligns with this figure.
Having a clear understanding of expenses helps you prepare realistically, avoid surprises, and stay stress-free.
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📌 TU Ilmenau Semester-Wise Expense Breakdown
Based on the official document provided by TU Ilmenau International Office (January 2023), here’s the average cost per semester (6 months):
Expense Category Average Monthly Cost Cost Per Semester (6 months)
Tuition Fees – €0 (No tuition fees at TU Ilmenau)
Semester Contribution Fee – €140.00
Rent (Student Dorm / Private Housing) €250 – €350 €1,800.00
Health Insurance (mandatory) ~€115 €690.00
Food & Groceries ~€200 €1,200.00
Telephone, Internet & Broadcasting Fee ~€50 €300.00
Personal Expenses (clothing, leisure, transport, etc.) ~€80 €500.00
Total Expected Expenses (per semester) – €4,630.00
👉 This means you should expect around €770–€800 per month on average.
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🏠 Additional One-Time Costs (First Semester Only)
When you first arrive in Ilmenau, there are some extra expenses you must keep in mind:
Student ID card: €20 (only once in the first semester)
Residence permit fee: €120 (each time you apply or extend)
Dormitory security deposit: €300 (refundable at the end of stay)
Additional administrative costs: €435
So, the first semester costs may go up to €5,065 instead of €4,630.
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💰 Minimum Funds Required for Visa & Blocked Account
The German government has a fixed requirement for all international students:
€934 per month → €11,208 per year must be deposited in your blocked account.
This amount ensures you can cover your living expenses without financial difficulties.
You can open your blocked account with providers like Fintiba, Expatrio, or Deutsche Bank.
For TU Ilmenau students, the actual expenses shown above are very close to the official blocked account requirement, making it a realistic financial estimate.
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🌍 Cost of Living in Ilmenau vs. Other German Cities
One of the biggest advantages of studying at TU Ilmenau is the affordable cost of living. Let’s compare:
Ilmenau Rent: €250–€350 (student dorms are cheaper and widely available).
Berlin Rent: €600–€900 for shared apartments.
Munich Rent: €800–€1,200 (very high for students).
Food Costs: Similar across Germany, but smaller cities like Ilmenau have cheaper restaurants and grocery discounts.
✅ Conclusion: If you are budget-conscious, Ilmenau is an excellent choice. You save significantly on rent and daily living compared to bigger cities.
📲 Detailed Expense Insights for Students
Let’s break down some of the major expense categories more practically:
1. Accommodation
Most students stay in student dormitories provided by Studierendenwerk. Rent is between €250–€350 per month, often including heating and internet.
Private apartments are slightly higher and may require additional utility costs.
2. Food & Groceries
Cooking at home saves money. On average, €150–€200 per month is enough.
Student canteens (Mensa) offer meals between €2.50–€4.50.
3. Health Insurance
Mandatory for all students under 30. Public health insurance costs around €115 per month.
Some providers: TK, AOK, Barmer.
4. Transport
Good news: your semester fee (€140) includes a semester ticket. You can travel across Thuringia for free using regional trains and buses.
5. Leisure & Personal Expenses
Gym memberships, clothing, or weekend trips may cost around €80–€100 per month.
Budget extra if you plan to travel around Germany.
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📖 Scholarships and Part-Time Jobs at TU Ilmenau
To reduce your financial burden, you can look into:
Scholarships: DAAD scholarships, Erasmus+, and TU Ilmenau’s performance-based grants.
Part-time jobs: Students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year. Jobs in IT, tutoring, or research assistant roles are common.
A student working part-time can earn around €450–€800 per month, which can cover food and rent easily.
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🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is tuition free at TU Ilmenau?
Yes, TU Ilmenau does not charge tuition fees. Students only pay a semester contribution fee of €140.
2. How much money should I bring for the first semester?
At least €5,000–€5,100, since you need to pay rent, deposit, and other one-time costs.
3. Can I survive with less than €934 per month?
Yes, many students in Ilmenau manage with around €750–€800, but the German government still requires €934/month for the visa.
4. Is Ilmenau a good city for international students?
Yes, Ilmenau is a student-friendly, affordable, and peaceful city with excellent education standards.
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✅ Final Thoughts
Studying at TU Ilmenau is a great opportunity for international students looking for world-class education at an affordable cost. While Germany requires you to show €11,208 per year in your blocked account, actual expenses in Ilmenau are slightly lower, giving you some breathing space.
👉 Quick Recap:
Monthly expenses: ~€770–€800
Semester expenses: ~€4,630
First semester expenses (with extras): ~€5,065
Annual blocked account requirement: €11,208
With proper financial planning, you’ll not only manage your stay comfortably but also enjoy life in a vibrant student community.